Indigenous art centre opens its doors

News from bendigo, published in The Advertiser, 11 February 2006

NEW gallery dedicated to showcasing indigenous art has opened in the Macedon Ranges. Housed at Carlsruhe's West Rock Farm conference centre, the gallery, in partnership with the Australian Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, will feature works by established and emerging artists.

Indigenous artist and elder of the Bendigo region Eileen Ballangarry said the gallery meant a great deal to the artists because it brought their work and culture to the forefront. Ms Ballangarry said most of the works told stories about important aspects of the land, such as the significant areas for birthing and the location of waterholes and different types of food. Owners Colleen Lethbridge and Leanne Davey said the farm would also host an interactive indigenous cultural program for schools, and an "artists in residence" program to help artists create their folios and promote their work.

"There are a lot of young Aboriginal artists who really aren't getting any support for things like this," Ms Lethbridge said.

Though the original concept was just to establish the gallery, Ms Lethbridge said it was fantastic that it had evolved to include the programs.

"It started out as an art gallery... and then it turned out that, well, it's not just about art. We really need to take it further than that."

Ms Lethbridge said indigenous elders Ms Ballangarry and Sue Allengame, who helped develop the schools program, had been sharing their knowledge of indigenous culture for a long time but did not have a set base where they could teach, until now.

Minister for Small Business and Tourism Fran Bailey launched the gallery, and said it would provide local schools with an opportunity to visit and enjoy the complete cultural experience. "It's making sure that Australians in general have a greater understanding of the art and the culture," she said.

The gallery is open every Sunday from 10am until 4pm, or by appointment.